Labour councillors slam axing of emergency lifeline support for elderly residents

Labour councillors at North Warwickshire Borough Council have slammed the decision to cut funding for an emergency alarm service for elderly and vulnerable residents.

'Borough Care' is one of a number of home alarm systems designed to allow residents the access to 24-hour emergency care from trained professionals. The system, which is certificated 'Gold Standard', allows residents to still enjoy independence at home with the reassurance that support is there if necessary.

The decision to cut funding for Borough Care was made during the full council meeting of NWBC at the end of February.

Leader of the Labour group at NWBC, Cllr Jodie Gosling, said: "Residents have relied on this service for over 20 years. This cut will leave many people feeling anxious and abandoned.

"Arguments could be made to change the service but not during a pandemic, after a year of shielding, isolated from friends and family and while facing huge mental and physical health challenges."

Additional savings in the minutes from the February meeting indicate that up to £355,210 would be cut from the service.

The NWBC website (updated in March) states that: "North Warwickshire Borough Council does not operate a telecare 'lifeline' alarm service." It then lists a number of other services which are still available, including one operated by Warwick District Council.

Customers who are currently registered to receive Borough Care are being assisted by NWBC to transfer their registration to alternative providers.

Cllr Jacky Chambers, Labour spokesperson for health added: "Everyone knows that relentless government cuts have left the council with tough choices but there were other options for cost savings and income generation which should have been considered.

"This will impact on the people worst hit by the pandemic at the worst possible time."

Council Leader has his say

The Leader of North Warwickshire Borough Council, Conservative Cllr David Wright, has defended the decision to transfer Borough Care customers to WDC's service.

Speaking to Atherstone Nub News he said: "We have spent a considerable amount of time on Borough Care and trying to get it right, and do the best by our customers. Never once have we suggested that we just scrap it.

"Unfortunately in these times it was costing a huge amount of money, and we have found a way where instead of just scrapping it, we have come up with a solution where another provider will take it over.

"We were very conscious of the fact that clearly our customers benefitted from this and wanted this service."

Cllr Wright also pointed to the irony that in February 2020 an unsuccessful budget amendment, which included the removal of Borough Care funding, was voted for by Labour councillors and rejected by Conservative members.

The February 2020 proposal can be accessed in the minutes here (p. 4).